By Ali Imran
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) as part of broader legal and economic reforms, with officials describing arbitration as a key driver of investment, business confidence and economic growth.
The remarks came Friday as the International Mediation and Arbitration Center (IMAC), operating under the Ministry of Law and Justice, concluded its first internationally accredited arbitration training program with a certificate distribution ceremony in Islamabad.
Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik, the chief guest at the event, said arbitration has evolved beyond an alternative to court litigation and now serves as an essential component of an efficient justice system and an investment-friendly business environment.
He said internationally accredited training would help align Pakistan with global arbitration standards while expanding the country’s ADR framework to include arbitration, mediation, conciliation and negotiation.
Malik highlighted recent legal reforms, including the introduction of court-annexed mediation in commercial disputes and the establishment of commercial courts, saying the measures would foster a more arbitration-friendly legal system.
He also praised IMAC’s collaboration with international institutions and expressed confidence that the initiative would produce a new generation of qualified arbitrators capable of representing Pakistan in domestic and international forums.
IMAC Project Director Aisha Rasool congratulated participants on completing the five-day program and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to strengthening ADR through professional training, accreditation, legislative reforms and international cooperation. She also acknowledged the support of the International Centre for Appropriate Dispute Resolution and Prevention (ICADRP), Pakistan, and the International Law Institute (ILI) of the United States.
Carlos Davila, an international trainer from the U.S.-based International Law Institute, commended participants for their professionalism and engagement, describing them as “future arbitrators.”
Trainer Dr. Nudrat Piracha emphasized the importance of international best practices, professional ethics and continuing education in developing a credible arbitration community in Pakistan.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Additional Secretary Mahfooz Ahmed Bhatti described the training as a transformative experience that enhanced participants’ understanding of international arbitration and strengthened confidence in applying ADR mechanisms in professional practice.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants, including parliamentarians, senior government officials, lawyers, academics and professionals from various sectors.
Officials said the completion of the first training module marks another step in Pakistan’s efforts to build institutional capacity and position itself as a regional hub for arbitration and commercial dispute resolution.
